WARNING

The popularity of disposable vapes has skyrocketed recently with both ex-smokers and busy vapers opting for convenient and discreet ways to vape. Pre-filled, pre-charged and ready to vape straight from the packet, disposable e-cigarettes are one of the most accessible and convenient ways to help smokers make the switch.

The demand for throw-away vapes has, however, ramped up the production of unsafe, low-quality – and occasionally fake – disposable e-cigarettes that cause serious side effects. With non-compliant disposable vapes infiltrating the UK market, it’s understandable that people are concerned about the safety of disposable e-cigarettes.

The good news, however, is that disposable vapes that are made by reputable vape brands and comply with safety laws and regulations are just as safe as traditional e-cigarettes. When used by adult smokers, disposable e-cigarettes are considered 95% less harmful than smoking.

Cigalikes vs disposable vapes

Despite working in the same way, Cigalikes and disposable vapes have some key differences.

Cigalikes

Cigalikes are designed to mimic the traditional look and feel of a tobacco cigarette to replicate the hand-to-mouth habit that many ex-smokers struggle to shake. Consisting of a rechargeable battery and replaceable refills, a Cigalike is simple and easy to use.

With the price of Cigalike Starter Kits starting from just £3, Cigalikes are incredibly cost-effective and prove one of the cheapest ways for adult smokers to quit smoking and start vaping.

Disposable vapes

Unlike Cigalikes, disposable vapes are pre-charged, pre-filled and ready to go from the moment you buy them. Although the throw-away nature of a disposable e-cigarette is likely to increase vaping costs, the ease and convenience of vaping disposable e-cigs are second-to-none.

Unlike pods and mods, disposable vapes promise a hassle-free vaping experience without the need to refill your tank, replace your coil or recharge your battery. With a built-in battery that’s designed to deplete at the same time you run out of e-liquid, a disposable vape guarantees peak performance, without the fuss.

How Safe are Disposable Vapes?

A disposable vape is no more dangerous than a regular vape device. Like pods and mods, disposable vapes help adult smokers transition to a less harmful alternative to smoking.

As a vaping device, a disposable e-cigarette must comply with the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) of 2017. Although vaping products don’t contain tobacco, they are included in the directive to ensure vape products meet rigorous safety and quality measures. More on that here.

The directive stipulates that:

The capacity of an e-liquid bottle capacity does not exceed 10ml.

The nicotine strength of any e-liquid does not exceed 20mg.

Vape packaging displays clear warning symbols and contains informational leaflets.

Vape tanks (both open and closed) do not exceed a capacity of 2ml.

These rules and regulations are vastly different from those in other countries where high-strength e-liquids containing 20mg or more of nicotine are lawful and easily obtained.

Non-compliant disposable vapes

The TPD aims to prevent vaping products from being sold to minors and enable ex-smokers to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

In recent months, however, vapers have stumbled across numerous disposable vapes that are not TPD-compliant. An investigation led by the Daily Mail found retailers flouting UK laws with shelves piled high with Elf Bars exceeding the legal tank capacity by over 50%.

Although “claimed” to be an accidental mishap (with vape brands mistakenly distributing stronger products intended for international markets in the UK), the sale of non-compliant disposables is a prime example of why the Tobacco Products Directive bears such great weight.

Shopping with reputable vape brands

Responsible retailers like OK Vape have tried-and-tested manufacturing and distribution processes to ensure vape rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. Meeting (and often exceeding!) all industry standards, OK Vape continues to invest in people, products and services with a commitment to developing products that support ex-smokers in making the switch.

The future of disposable vapes

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has played a significant role in removing illicit disposable vapes from the shelves, and continues to advocate for vaping safety with a clear message for all vaping brands:

If the industry is going to be accepted as playing a leading role in helping Britain achieve its smokefree targets, it has to demonstrate the highest levels of compliance, standards and responsibility, which the UKVIA expects.

All disposables exceeding the legal limit of nicotine have been pulled from major supermarkets across the UK and there’s good progress being made toward ensuring the safety of vapers. Reputable vape brands take their responsibility seriously, consistently maintaining high standards of compliance with all new and existing disposable vape product ranges.

Choosing disposable vapes

If you still feel a little apprehensive about buying a disposable vape, there are a few things you can check for on a disposable e-cig packet to put your mind at ease:

Nicotine strength

Disposable vapes should contain no more than 20mg of nicotine. If the packaging suggests there is more than 20mg – or worse, the packaging fails to display a nicotine strength – it likely exceeds the legal limit and should be given a wide berth.

Tank size

Disposable e-cigarettes should contain no more than 2ml of e-liquid. Reputable disposable vapes usually contain 1.5-2ml e-liquid to produce between 600 and 800 puffs. Steer clear of any disposable vape advertising thousands of puffs – this is a clear sign the device exceeds the legal e-liquid capacity.

Appropriate labelling

All vape products are subject to labelling requirements. Disposable vape packaging should display age-related warning symbols to prohibit the sale of vape products to those under the age of 18. Disposable e-cigs should also present a nicotine warning statement and tactile warning triangle. Any disposable e-cig packet that doesn’t advertise these labels is non-compliant and should be avoided.